WHERE BUDGET MEETS LUXURY

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How to Build a Spring/Summer Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, read my disclosure policy. Many us have recently turned to practicing different forms of self-care as a way to distract, nurture and take care of ourselves during a global pandemic. I think this is a very good thing. I find that self-care is more important than ever and practicing certain routines has definitely helped my mental health.

One of my favorite forms of self-care is a good skincare routine. I’ve been practicing a pretty consistent skincare routine for years, but it can be super confusing for someone just starting out. This is especially true now that we’re nearing the end of spring and into summer. Skincare is never one-size-fits-all, but the changing weather brings with it a whole host of challenges for taking care of our skin.

That said, I thought it would be helpful to put together a very basic skincare routine that can be customized to you. Each of these steps is focused on keeping your skin glowing (but not sweaty!) from spring into summer. This guide is just that - a guide - but this skincare routine outline should serve as a good starting point. Check out the suggestions below and I’d love to hear how you personalize it!

Step One: Cleanser

One of the easiest things you can do to keep your skin fresh and clear is to cleanse with a gentle face wash morning and night. Note: cleansing both morning and night might be too much for some people, so if you notice your skin is becoming sensitive or irritated, try cleansing with just water in the morning and sticking to cleanser only at night.

Step Two: Vitamin C

It’s important to use a vitamin C product during the day to brighten skin and protect it from pollution and free radicals. It works well in tandem with sunscreen, a must-have as the days get longer (but we’ll get into that more later).

Step Three: Hydration

It might seem counterintuitive to add a hydrating product to your skin during the late spring and summer (especially when you live somewhere humid like I do). However, it is so important to help your skin retain moisture with a product like hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without adding grease or oil. For some quick background info, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, meaning it helps your skin hold onto its hydration.

Step Four AM: Sunscreen

Ah, sunscreen: the most important step in your skincare routine. Did you know that you should wear sunscreen every single day, even if it’s cloudy? YES! Harmful UV rays can still hit your skin even through clouds. So, of course, a good sunscreen is even more important to wear during the spring and summer, when the days are longer and the sun shines a little brighter.

I always apply sunscreen as the last step in my routine during the spring/summer. This is because the sunscreen I use is a combination chemical and physical SPF in a moisturizing formula, so I don't need to worry about an additional moisturizer or whether I put the sunscreen or moisturizer on first. (Quick FYI on the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens: a chemical sunscreen is one that sinks into your skin, absorbing UV rays, and includes ingredients like oxtinoxate, oxybenzone and octylcrylene. A physical sunscreen prevents UV rays from hitting the skin at all by reflecting them back and includes ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide). My absolute favorite sunscreen is the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen SPF 30 ($13.99).I don't have an issue with it leaving a white cast on my skin even though it contains a physical sunscreen, but your mileage may vary if you have a darker skin tone. A few of my other favorite sunscreens include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 ($14.99) and Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($36).